SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND

Transcription

1 SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND District Information Technology Plan Extension Addendum and Update (through June 30, 2012) (864) (Voice/TTY)

2 District Technology Plan Checklist Please complete the shaded box on page 3 of this checklist form and return all three sheets as the cover pages of the completed technology plan. Cover Page This page must contain the following: district name, name and signature of district superintendent, name and signature of technology coordinator, mailing address, phone and fax numbers, and address of district technology coordinator, district home page URL, and effective dates covered by the plan or the year covered by the annual update. District Profile This section must include the following: number of schools in the district, number of students enrolled in district schools, percentage of students eligible for free and reduced lunches, number of English as a Second Language (ESL) students, number of dropouts, graduation rate, and district E-Rate discount. Executive Summary This section must be a concise description of the entire technology plan. District Needs Assessment This section must describe the district s current technology needs, current technology inventory, and current technology support strategies. All goals should specifically address your district s needs. District Vision and Mission Statements These overarching statements should address the district s needs, including assistive technology needs, and should be aligned with the state technology plan as well as the No Child Left Behind legislation. Plans for the Five Individual Technology Dimensions The narrative of the district s plans for the individual Technology Dimensions must be organized on the basis of the following five sections, which must be labeled and ordered as shown here: Technology Dimension 1: Learners and Their Environment Technology Dimension 2: Professional Capacity Technology Dimension 3: Instructional Capacity Technology Dimension 4: Community Connections Technology Dimension 5: Support Capacity

3 In each of the above sections, the narrative for the technology dimension must be organized on the basis of the following seven sections, which must be titled and lettered as shown here: A. Snapshot of Current Technology Use in District B. Overall Goal for This Dimension C. Objectives, Strategies, and Action List to Reach Goal D. Implementation Action Steps for Districts and Schools E. Funding Considerations for District and Schools F. Evaluation of Objectives (including baseline data sources and ongoing data sources) G. Current Best Practices in District (if applicable) Cumulative Benchmarks This section must contain a list of benchmarks expected to be met during the year. Include a timeline and method for assessing benchmarks periodically. Acknowledgements This section must contain a list stakeholders that shows a wide diversity of school and community members who contributed to the planning process. Bibliography This section should provide full publication information and specific page references for all secondary sources utilized. Required Appendixes Appendix 1: No Child Left Behind Action Plan Provide narratives for each of the eleven items in part C of the Guidelines for District Technology Plans section of the South Carolina State Technology Plan Appendix 2: Teacher Technology Proficiency Proviso Professional Development Plan Guidelines for district professional development plans can be found at Appendix 3: Acceptable Use Policy Appendix 4: How E-Rate Areas Have Been Addressed See part B of the Guidelines for District Technology Plans section of the South Carolina State Technology Plan for the five E- rate areas. Appendix 5: Report on Last Year s Progress toward Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Benchmarks, Actions, and Outcomes Other Vital Appendixes (None) Plan Certification Signoff

4 I verify that all above components for the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind s technology plan have been addressed: Technology coordinator s name: Todd Young Technology coordinator s signature: Date signed Superintendent s name: Margaret Park (President of SCSDB) Superintendent s signature: Date signed

5 I. Cover Page Update South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind Margaret Park, President 355 Cedar Springs Rd Spartanburg, SC (864) , (Voice/TTY) (864) (FAX) Plan, Update and Extension Effective Dates: Fiscal Year (July 1, 2005 June 30, 2006), Fiscal Year (July 1, 2006 thru June 30, 2007), Fiscal Year (July 1, 2007 June 30, 2008), Fiscal Year (July 1, 2008 June 30, 2009), Fiscal Year (July 1, 2009 June 30 th ), Fiscal Year (July 1, 2010 June 30 th, 2011), and Fiscal Year (July 1, 2011 June 30 th, 2012), *Note: This document serves as the final update and as an extension of the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind (SCSDB) Technology Plan covering the period through June 30, The Evaluation of Objectives charts in the technology dimensions sections cover a period from Fiscal Year through Fiscal Year to allow these sections to be a long-range scorecard. SCSDB will complete a new technology plan in FY , with input from the school s various constituencies. Initial work on that plan has already begun and is described in this document. 1 P age

6 II. District Profile Update Five schools in the SCSDB district : o Blind Secondary School o Deaf Secondary School o Deaf Elementary/Middle School o Blind Elementary/Middle School o 011 Multi-handicapped School 266 total students (based on PK-12 students served, school year). 200 students, or 75.3%, of students eligible for free or reduced lunches. 89.8% are Medicaid eligible. 21 (7%) English as a Second Language (ESL) students 1.01% annual dropout rate. 62% graduation rate. E-Rate percentage = 90% (E-Rate pays 90%, school pays 10%). In addition, SCSDB maintains personnel throughout that are based out of home offices or in our Columbia Office. III. Executive Summary SCSDB continues to make steady progress toward improving its technology equipment, systems, processes and training. Budget cuts have resulted in delayed equipment upgrades and significant efficiency concerns. Some of these equipment concerns have been addressed by: Donor and foundation contributions; Federal Grants E-rate Funding The school has been able to address most of its infrastructure needs through federal E- Rate funding and support from the school s fund-raising arm, The Walker Foundation. State teacher proficiency requirements for technology have been met and increased attention is being given to training. A recent evaluation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools indicated a need for more hands on student learning opportunities as well as more integration of technology into the classroom. Addressing these recommendations will be a major focus in the coming year. In the fall of 2010, school leaders participated in technology planning meetings as part of a larger strategic planning effort. Goals from the meeting were as follows: 2 P age

7 Major Theme - Technology in Workforce 1.) Improve IT Infrastructure (see examples) a. Internet Bandwidth b. Network Wiring c. VOIP d. Upgrade Servers e. Refresh Computers f. Video Teleconferencing g. Video Phones h. Wireless Access i. Media Distribution j. Training Devices (Projectors, Screens, etc.) k. Encryption 2.) Implement enhanced security/safety systems on campus and at Outreach centers. 3.) Improve enterprise software (see examples) a. Expand Medicaid Software Nursing Data, Transportation Data b. Expand CRM Include all Outreach Departments c. Data Warehouse/ Analysis Tool for Student Information 4.) Improve Marketing Technologies (see examples) a. Digital Signage b. Website Upgrade c. Upgrade Media Equipment d. Upgrade Customer Database 5.) Implement technology to maximize funding (measurement tool, e-rate) 6.) Develop an E-Training plan for staff 7.) Develop a process for ongoing evaluation (by program) regarding technology needs, purchases, and results 8.) Review existing technology policies and procedures (i.e. Records Management). 3 P age

8 Major Theme Technology in Education 1.) Improve educational and residential accessibility to technology (see examples below) a. Accessibility Technology b. Video Phones c. Instant Messaging d. Student 2.) Determine technology training needs and provide appropriate training a. Student b. Staff c. Parent 3.) Research and implement Virtual Learning 4.) Provide technology tools for instruction for students & staff (see examples below) a. Computers (Laptops, Tablets, Desktop) b. Promethean Boards c. Media Distribution 5.) Increase utilization of technology by students to promote independent learners (leisure, recreation, independent living) 6.) Align the curriculum to SCDE Technology Standards and utilizing access technology when appropriate. 7.) Provide individual technology assessments for students with recommendations and appropriate follow up and address academic and expanded core curriculum objectives. The agency continues to make progress toward these goals. A process was designed to ensure thorough identification of needs and a complete review of possible solutions. In addition, SCSDB has developed a technology advisory team to make recommendations regarding purchasing processes, technology use procedures and policies and will begin developing the new technology plan to be completed by December of IV. District Needs Assessment SCSDB has made significant improvement in the quality of computers in recent years. The table below represents a comparative analysis of division computers in late 2004, early 2006 and early 2007, and In 2009 and 2010 counts have remained the same as This is due to restricted budgets and no additional computers purchased or leased during the recession. For each division, the table presents: Total number of desktops in use. Total number running Windows-XP or Windows P age

9 Total number that are not capable of running either, and therefore are candidates for being replaced. Totals by Division Division Name Total As of 12/05/04 As of 01/01/2007 As of 01/01/2008 Win XP/2000 Other Total Win- XP/2000 Other Total Win- XP/2000 Other Blind Education CTE Education Services Deaf Education Services Continued on next page Totals by Division Division Name Total As of 12/05/04 As of 01/01/2007 As of 01/01/2008 Win XP/2000 Other Total Win- XP/2000 Other Total Win- XP/2000 Other Education Services Finance Foundation Health & Related Services Human Resources Information Services (incl. Labs) MH Education Services Outreach Services Physical Plant President s Office Residential Life Safety Vice Presidents Office Totals % 39.40% 97% 3% 100% 0% This table demonstrates that we have continued to maintain our current numbers in computer equipment agency wide. SCSDB will discontinue computer leasing and buy out existing leases. Only non-operational equipment will be replaced. SCSDB continues to identify needs, but a partial list is as follows: 5 P age

10 Cost-effective printing/copying solutions; Hands-on technology learning opportunities through laptop labs or increased classroom computer access; A new media distribution system; Increased student exposure to assistive technology; Training opportunities specific to classroom/teaching needs; Replacement schedule for donor-funded labs; Increased student access to computers in dormitories and at home; Documentation of technology processes and more written policies and procedures; Better documentation of help desk requests and analysis of recurring problems and potential solutions; Distance education and virtual classrooms; Technology to address the needs of visual and auditory learners. V. District Vision and Mission Statements Vision Statement: The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind will be the statewide leader in education and accessibility for individuals who are deaf, blind or multi-sensory disabled. Mission Statement: The mission of the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind is to ensure that the individuals we serve realize maximum success through high quality educational programs, outreach services and partnerships. VI. The Five Individual Technology Dimensions An update indicating progress toward the five technology dimensions follows. Status toward achievement of the stated objectives was evaluated using the following rubric: Rubric Used for Evaluation of the Objectives: 1 Not attempted 2 25% completed 3 50% completed 4 75% completed 5 Completed 6 P age

11 TECHNOLOGY DIMENSION 1 Learners and their Environment GOAL: SCSDB will use research-proven strategies to provide residential, school and community environments conducive to our students achieving technological literacy and to raise the overall level of academic achievement. SCSDB has been named a Palmetto Gold School by the State Department of Education for the fifth consecutive year, earning excellent rankings in both absolute and improvement ratings. While Palmetto Gold status is a good indicator of student progress, SCSDB continues to seek external review and opportunities for continued improvement. The district recently completed an evaluation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf, Inc. Both organizations indicated that SCSDB would be fully accredited and SCSDB will use the recommendations of the two organizations to continue to enhance the environment to ensure that students achieve technological literacy and meet or exceed overall academic goals. SCSDB continues to make progress toward the objectives in the Learners and their Environment Dimension as indicated in the chart below using the evaluation rubric. In addition, the district is extending the learning environment by: Piloting distance learning in the School for the Blind; Increasing computer access in dormitories; Installing 9 Additional Promethean Boards; Installing Media Distribution. Objectives 1.1 Students will use technology to acquire and demonstrate communication, collaboration, and engagement skills that are aligned with state standards across the curriculum and will thereby increase access their level of academic Possible Baseline Data Test scores District report cards Technology surveys EVALUATION OF OBJECTIVES Possible Data Sources to Be Used for Ongoing Evaluation and End-of- Program Report Test scores District report cards Technology surveys Student portfolios (see earlier discussion of 2006 Outcomes (Include action list items achieved.) P age

12 Objectives achievement. 1.2 Students will engage in authentic learning activities that are aligned with state standards and that integrate technology, including assistive technology, into the core content. 1.3 Students will select the appropriate tools to complete authentic, reallife multidisciplinary Possible Baseline Data Student portfolios (see earlier discussion of portfolios) School technology and improvement plans District, school, and community surveys EVALUATION OF OBJECTIVES Possible Data Sources to Be Used for Ongoing Evaluation and End-of- Program Report portfolios) Observations and interviews Anecdotal records Documented access to on-line resources Listing of recognition programs 2006 Outcomes (Include action list items achieved.) tasks SCSDB will provide students with an extended learning environment through technological tools, including assistive technology, that are designed to promote high academic achievement P age

13 TECHNOLOGY DIMENSION 2 Professional Capacity Goal: SCSDB will provide curriculum development and professional development to increase the competency of SCSDB educators so that research-proven strategies and the effective integration of instructional technology systems can be used to increase student achievement. SCSDB recognizes this dimension as one in need of ongoing improvement and is making efforts to increase professional capacity significantly. Key staff members are visiting other school districts, contacting special education schools and attending conferences and workshops to enable SCSDB to increase utilization of existing technology and to identify new technology and techniques that might assist the educational staff in meeting students learning styles. The Educational Technology Coordinator is partnering with the Coordinator of Educational Development and Support, the agency Training Coordinator and a team of SCSDB staff members to develop a business plan for increasing our training capabilities. The business plan will utilize the project management model of the State Chief Information Office. A portion of the Technology Incentive Grant was spent on a Technology Proficient Testing software program. One hundred percent of the SCSDB teachers became Technology Proficient on the State Department of Education recommended dimensions. Teachers were offered on campus classes during the school year in basic computer software packages and offered two college level courses in the summer. Assistive technology mini-courses were offered by vendors as needed. Funds awarded to the school for Palmetto Gold status are used to purchase software for teachers. Microsoft training is available to SCSDB employees via the Internet. Video conferencing is available for staff at the Spartanburg and Columbia locations. 9 P age

14 SCSDB continues to see progress with the objectives listed in the chart below. F. EVALUATION OF OBJECTIVES Objectives Possible Baseline Data Possible Data Sources to Be Used for Ongoing Evaluation and End-of-Program Report 2006 Outcomes (Include action list items achieved.) SCSDB will enable educators to achieve and demonstrate proficiency in integrating staterecommended instructional technology standards (ISTE NETS-A, ISTE NETS-S, and ISTE NETS-T) into their specific area of professional practice to increase student achievement. 2.2 SCSDB will continue to allow the principals of each school to serve as the visionary leaders in technology, ensuring that technology is making a significant instructional and administrative impact for students, teachers, and administrators. 2.3 SCSDB will collaborate with SDE in planning for professional development, ensuring that teachers and district staff are trained to use technology, including assistive technology, to enhance learning. Statewide achievement test scores District report cards Teacher technology proficiency proviso forms Professional development surveys Teacher and administrator portfolios (see earlier discussion of portfolios) School technology and improvement plans Statewide achievement test scores District report cards Professional development tracking and surveys Teacher technology proficiency proviso forms Teacher and administrator portfolios (see earlier discussion of portfolios). Observations and interviews Anecdotal records Documented access to on-line resources SCTLC Training tab P age

15 F. EVALUATION OF OBJECTIVES Objectives Possible Baseline Data Possible Data Sources to Be Used for Ongoing Evaluation and End-of-Program Report 2006 Outcomes (Include action list items achieved.) SCSDB will provide schools with information and training in technology integration so that teachers can use research-based bestpractice instructional methods throughout the curriculum. SCTLC Training tab Technology assessments Technology assessments SCSDB will assess the overall effectiveness of professional development in the area of instructional technology standards and the impact of technology on student achievement P age

16 TECHNOLOGY DIMENSION 3 Instructional Capacity GOAL: SCSDB will use current and emerging technology to create learner-centered instructional environments that enhance academic achievement. SCSDB has been able to increase the availability of technology this year, but recognizes the need to make technology more readily available to students for hands on learning opportunities. Thanks to legislative appropriations, contributions from The Walker Foundation and the donations of community service organizations, SCSDB has been able to: Build out seven additional student computer labs for the dormitories Purchase multimedia distribution equipment to allow teachers to receive cable programming and pre-recorded content in the classrooms. Purchase video and technology equipment to fund a program for students that allows them to video tape and create movie presentations. Installed 9 new Promethean Boards. SCSDB continues to make strides in the use of assistive technology. The agency added an additional five Video Relay Service (VRS)/video phones and wireless data devices over the last year the school has upgraded its Internet connection to increase this capability. In addition, its assistive technology consultants seek to obtain the latest technology for demonstration purposes including the purchase of global positioning devices for use with students who are blind. 12 P age

17 Objectives 3.1 SCSDB will develop a technology framework for local planning that addresses the steps necessary to create a technology-rich environment that will foster increased achievement by all students, including those with special needs. 3.2 SCSDB will provide teachers with the technology resources, including assistive technology, necessary to increase academic achievement by engaging students in active learning. 3.3 SCSDB will provide students with access to current and emerging technology resources that will extend their learning beyond the traditional classroom setting and schedule. 3.4 The SCSDB will provide and support a variety of multimedia equipment and software for teaching and Possible Baseline Data Statewide achievement test scores Technology readiness and access surveys District report cards Teacher technology proficiency proviso forms Teacher and administrator portfolios (see earlier discussion of portfolios). School technology and improvement plans Technology assessments Documentation of offerings provided via innovative delivery methods F. EVALUATION OF OBJECTIVES Possible Data Sources to Be Used for Ongoing Evaluation and End-of-Program Report Statewide achievement test scores District report cards Technology readiness and access surveys Teacher technology proficiency proviso forms Teacher and administrator portfolios (see earlier discussion of portfolios). Observations and interviews Anecdotal records Documented access to on-line resources Technology assessments Documentation of offerings provided via innovative delivery methods 2006 Outcomes (Include action list items achieved.) P age learning

18 TECHNOLOGY DIMENSION 4 Community Connections Goal: SCSDB will increase student achievement through the use of technology, including assistive technology, by maximizing community involvement and community partnerships. SCSDB continues to be successful in maximizing community involvement and partnerships. 1. Legislative Appropriation: Presentations to the State Legislature have not resulted in a distribution of funds designated for technology. This has been anticipated because of current state of the economy and the state s budget constraints. The presentations have included the following requests. Infrastructure upgrades related to Cisco Switching, Fiber Optics, and Cat 6 Cabling to enable increased speeds to the desktop; Infrastructure improvements that will improve public safety notifications, information notifications, access control, video surveillance, and energy management controls. Ensure student access to assistive technology that will increase learning, independence and employment opportunities; In addition, SCSDB was able to obtain $200,000 in recurring lottery funds for vocational school needs including technology. 2. Walker Foundation and Donor Support: The Walker Foundation and its donors have enabled SCSDB to make significant improvements including: Purchase of multimedia equipment; Support for computer leases; Computer lab updates; Network back up system purchase; 14 P age

19 SCSDB continues to see progress with the objectives listed below. Objectives 4.1 The SCSDB will establish community technology partnerships and collaborations by providing tools, resources, and training that support student transition, achievement, and outcomes. (The term community includes parents, businesses, state and local agencies, nonprofit groups, and institutions of higher education.) 4.2 SCSDB will fully utilize all available resources by fostering collaboration and cooperation among statesupported organizations, institutions, and initiatives. 4.3 The SCSDB will provide after-hours access to labs, media centers, and Possible Baseline Data Statewide achievement test scores Community technology access surveys Lab, media center, and classroom schedules SDE Technology Counts survey School technology plans Documentation of offerings F. EVALUATION OF OBJECTIVES Possible Data Sources to Be Used for Ongoing Evaluation and End-of-Program Report Statewide achievement test scores Community technology access surveys Lab, media center, and classroom schedules SDE Technology Counts survey School technology plans Observations and interviews SCSDB and 2006 Outcomes (Include action list items achieved.) classrooms P age

20 4.4 The SCSDB will ensure that all their buildings are linked by LAN, WAN, and/or the Internet to the State Library s DISCUS databases and to the Web sites of universities, museums, and other institutions to facilitate virtual communication between home, school, and community. provided via innovative delivery methods school Web site information Documentation of offerings provided via innovative delivery methods SCSDB and school list of grants and community partnerships TECHNOLOGY DIMENSION 5 Support Capacity GOAL: SCSDB will expand and support technology resources to assist educators and learners in meeting the state academic standards. Over the last two years, SCSDB has worked to ensure that the school has the necessary infrastructure to support educational administrative needs. Infrastructure improvements include: Implemented new core network competencies (E-Rate funded) o 1 New Server o 1 New DCHP Server o 2 Internal DNS Servers o 2 External DNS Servers Installed/set up new server for PowerSchool Student Information Software During the Remodeling of the Hebert Center School for the Multi-handicapped all cabling was replaced and upgraded to Cat 6 standards (E-rate funded) Implemented Media Distribution System SCSDB is currently implementing a number of additional infrastructure improvements to include: Cisco Upgrade to Switching Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPS); Voice Over IP; SCSDB has made a number of improvements to enhance support to the educational staff and students including: Active Directory implementation; 16 P age

21 Formal Help Desk initiation; 508 compliance on all school related Web sites; Medicaid data management system installation; Student ; Microsoft CRM implemented for EDP; Expanded Remote User access through CITRIX; Expanded Leath prison brailing center with three additional workstations; Implementation of five additional Sorenson Video Relay Service (VRS) units. Support enhancements planned for the coming year include: Re-assessment of technology staff needed to meet instructional support needs; Evaluation of cell phone emergency communication reception following vendor upgrades; Security evaluation and related training; Implementation of content management system for agency Web sites; Work continues on key objectives as noted below. Objectives 5.1 The SCSDB will ensure that all students, including those with special needs, and teachers have access to electronic information resources. Possible Baseline Data Statewide achievement test scores SCSDB report cards F. EVALUATION OF OBJECTIVES Possible Data Sources to Be Used for Ongoing Evaluation and End-of- Program Report Statewide achievement test scores SCSDB report cards Professional 2006 Outcomes (Include action list items achieved.) P age

22 Objectives 5.2 The SCSDB will ensure that their schools have an integrated, secure network infrastructure with dynamic bandwidth capacity to support fully converged networks that allow for communication, data collection and distribution, and distance learning. 5.3 The SCSDB will have sufficient qualified technical staff, including staff for the networking, server operation and support, and desktop systems areas. 5.4 The SCSDB will implement a disaster recovery plan for all points of failure in LANs and WANs, including redundant data storage, robust automated backup, and immediate hardware recovery. 5.5 The SCSDB will implement an obsolescence and upgrade plan to replace and recycle equipment and software. Possible Baseline Data Professional development tracking and surveys SCSDB, school, and community surveys School technology and improvement plans Documented access to technology resources Technology needs assessments SDE Technology Counts online survey Budget data State personnel reports F. EVALUATION OF OBJECTIVES Possible Data Sources to Be Used for Ongoing Evaluation and End-of- Program Report development tracking and surveys Observations and interviews Documented access to technology resources SCSDB, school, and community surveys School technology and improvement plans Documented access to technology resources Technology needs assessments SDE Technology Counts on-line survey Budget data State personnel reports 2006 Outcomes (Include action list items achieved.) P age

23 Objectives 5.6 SCSDB will increase their ability to design Web pages and Webbased instruction that are accessible to students and staff with special needs in accordance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Workforce Improvement Act of Possible Baseline Data F. EVALUATION OF OBJECTIVES Possible Data Sources to Be Used for Ongoing Evaluation and End-of- Program Report 2006 Outcomes (Include action list items achieved.) P age

24 VII. Cumulative Benchmarks SCSDB will implement an Educational Technology Assessment Group (etag) that will be chaired by the SCSDB Educational Technology Coordinator and staffed by both Information Technology resources and Educational Technology users. This group will have responsibility for insuring that SCSDB is following this Educational Technology Plan and reporting when and if deviations from the plan occur. This group will also suggest means for correcting any deviations from this plan which occur. In addition, this group will have responsibility for yearly updates to this work plan, as necessary. This group will coordinate Information Technology planning activities with the SCSDB strategic planning group as well, to insure the Information Technology Plan s alignment with and support for the SCSDB Enterprise Level Strategic Plan. VIII. Required Appendices 1. Appendix: No Child Left Behind Action Plan Update: Progress toward the 12 specific narratives and updates are indicated in bold below. 1. A description of how your district will use federal funds including Enhancing Education through Technology (E2T2) competitive and/or formula funds to improve the academic achievement, including the technology literacy, of all students attending the schools served and to improve the capacity of all teachers teaching in these schools to integrate technology effectively into curricula and instruction. Current year funding will be used in accordance with the IT plan with a major outcome to be enhancement in written communication for students and teachers to upgrade to current standards (Word 2000 or XP) and all other office word specifics outlined in the standards set for the agency. Completed The foremost priority was to have 20 computers set up for maximum word processing for improvement of the literacy rate of high school students. High school students who use word processing to complete classroom assignments due to their specific sensory disability (as stated in the IEP) need to use the most advanced word processing software and equipment as a modification to the state required high school exit exam. These exams need to be administrated in software that allows for grammar, editing and spelling assistance. Completed 20 P age

25 The second priority is to supply computers to those staff members who handle HIPAA protected information. These computers will need to be compliant with security measures and exist in a password protected environment. Completed The third priority is to upgrade computer labs to ensure high school students have access to DVD/CD aspects while online to provide accommodations for high school exit exams. Student will receive PIDGIN/ASL presentations on DVD and complete answers online. This will also provide students opportunities to take practice tests to improve scores on ACT, HSAP and End Of Course evaluations. Completed A technology needs assessment survey of teaching staff will be used to base the training and improved capacity of all teachers so technology will be effectively integrated into curricula and instruction as outlined in the standards for use of technology at SCSB as stated in number two of Appendix NCLB. The Technology Needs Assessment 2004 (TAGLIT) indicated that teachers wanted training in online reference tools, multimedia presentations (including digital still/motion works), and a database applications course is optional and a reference tool in service will be offered each Fall. Progressing An annual Technology Needs Assessment will be conducted to determine new interests and needs plus to determine if training was provided and surveys reflect that needs were met. In Progress 2. A description of your school district s specific goals for using advanced technology to improve student academic achievement aligned with challenging state academic content and student academic achievement standards. This explanation should include a description of the curriculum and teaching strategies that integrate technology effectively into curricula and instruction, based on an intensive review of relevant research. SCSDB will use advanced technology to improve student academic achievement aligning the adaptive technology with challenging state academic content and student academic achievement standards. Ongoing 3. A description of the steps your district will take to ensure that all students and teachers in schools served by the local education agency have increased access to educational technology. The IT Plan for SCSDB will outline specific steps to provide all students and teachers in the school with increased access to educational technology. This IT plan will be reviewed annually to ensure that progress is being made in all areas of providing educational technology that is accessible to the variety of students and staff including those with disabilities that affect the use of technology. Grant writing, partnerships with business and community agencies will enhance the SCSDB state appropriated budget in order to purchase 21 Page

26 new and advanced technology. Increased access will continue as the IT plan works towards completion of its objectives. Another aspect will be to work with the One Stop centers, the statewide Assistive Technology Resource committee and other groups seeking to spread the use of assistive technology into the government, civic and social arenas of the state. SCSDB staff will present and attend the annual AT Expo to share and learn about appropriate uses of AT for accommodation for learners. In Process 4. A description of how your district will use the E2T2 competitive and/or formula funds (including the combining of these funds with monies from other federal, state, and/or local sources) to help ensure that students in high-poverty and high-needs schools have access to technology and to ensure that teachers are prepared to integrate technology effectively into curricula and instruction. SCSDB does not currently qualify for E2T2 funds. NCLB funds were spent on professional development to enable teachers to become highly qualified. SCSDB currently spends 100% of its No Child Left Behind grant monies on professional development via Tuition Reimbursement for Educators (TRED). SCSDB also utilizes federal IDEA funds, state professional development funding (Lottery funds and Title II) and partnerships with business to ensure that students who are high poverty (83.8% of SCSDB students are on Free and Reduced Lunch Program) and high needs (100% of SCSDB students have a disability and are under IEP) have access to technology and to ensure that teachers are prepared to integrate technology effectively into curricula and instruction.. We use the train the trainer model when possible for development of teachers and other classroom personnel. Our Career and Technology Education Department has several business partners which provide computers, scanners, printers, and advice to set up labs for graphic arts, advanced keyboarding, and learning how to apply the special software for the Blind such as screen readers, speech synthesis, and enlarging software. Ongoing 5. A description of how your district will provide ongoing, sustained professional development for teachers, principals, administrators, and school library media personnel serving the local education agency, to further the effective use of technology in the classroom or library media center, including, if applicable, a list of the entities that will be partners with the local education agency involved in providing the ongoing, sustained professional development. SCSDB has historically provided professional development in the technology area by a combination of externally provided courses and internally provided (on-campus, taught by SCSDB IT staff) coursework. This has been reasonably effective, but we think that this can be expanded somewhat in terms of both quantity and quality of training by moving more toward utilization of more outsourced training opportunities. We have researched the availability of various training offerings, and there are many excellent courses available for the technology products that have become commoditized, such as the Microsoft software products (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.) This will not be a total solution, due to the fact that 22 Page

27 SCSDB also uses some fairly unique software products (such as SPI and BAS) as well. But we do intend to provide more and better professional development opportunities to SCSDB staff. Progressing 6. A description of the type and costs of technologies to be acquired for your technology program through the use of E2T2 competitive and/or formula funds, including supporting sources such as services, software, and digital curricula. Your explanation should include specific provisions for interoperability among the components of such technologies. SCSDB does not qualify for E2T2 funding currently. See further description of this in item 4 above. 7. A description of how your district will integrate technology (including software and other electronically delivered learning materials) into curricula and instruction to support standards-based learning and provide a timeline for such integration. Ongoing Integrating technology will take place in several ways: In-service training both on and off campus will be designed for growth in integrating technology into specific curriculum areas. After in-service training, supervisors will observe to collect data regarding the use of the information learned in the technology in-service. This will occur quarterly and be concurrent with ADEPT observations on the current technology and subject specific objectives under SC standards for education. Staff will attend demonstrations of new products designed to enhance learning and employment of special needs populations. Staff will complete short presentations at facility meetings regarding demonstrations and how this might be integrated into curricula and transition activities. Staff will receive information regarding the location of teacher lesson plans involving integration of technology and subject specific sites by way of the agency level contacts in each subject area monthly. Review of current software and site license capability of the current SCSDB software is an on-going project. Teachers and staff will submit software needs on purchase orders submitted through the school program and IT departments to ensure maximum use and efficiency. 8. A description of how your district will encourage the development and utilization of innovative strategies for the delivery of specialized or rigorous academic courses and curricula through the use of technology, including distance learning technologies, particularly for those areas that would not otherwise have access to such courses and curricula due to geographical isolation or insufficient resources. Ongoing 23 P age

28 As a part of the SCSDB high school course description booklet, SCSDB will provide a description of various distance learning applications for students. These currently include online high school level courses offered by various sites such as Hadley School for the Blind and NOVANET. Hadley is a specific and specialized site for the blind with course regarding blindness specific subjects. Students may transfer into SCSDB with credits from online sources with adequate proof of successful completion in accredited SACS online programs. The SCSDB Distance Learning Task Force made specific recommendations to the Senior Management group regarding processes, equipment and staffing needs towards the establishment of SCSDB as a distance learning presentation site so we might deliver much needed courses to teachers in rural parts of SC regarding sensory disabilities and provide low incident population special needs students with an online peer interaction in various subject matter. Virtual High School has been implemented through Nebraska and Hadley on line high school. 9. A description of how your district will ensure the effective use of technology to promote parental involvement and increase communication with parents, including a description of how parents will be informed of the technology being applied in their child s education. Explain how these strategies will allow parents to reinforce at home the instruction their child receives at school. Ongoing SCSDB will continue to explore video conferencing options so parents can select to attend their student s IEP meeting and staffing meetings by short distance driving to local/regional Outreach centers rather than travel the length of the state to participate on campus. This was a recommendation of the Distance Learning Task Force and IDEA s requirement to make various options open so maximum parental participation at IEPs can be achieved. Currently 98.3% of parents attend conferences and the goal is set for 99% participation. Parents will be provided with technology demonstrations at the annual parents learning weekend on campus. In 2005, over 44 families attended the Family learning Weekend and 32 pieces of technology and software were explained including how these were integrated into learning at school and in the home setting. Students and parents will receive a promotional paper annually regarding technology use in curriculum along with the annual acceptable use of computers signature page and policy beginning summer A description of how programs in your district will be developed, where applicable, in collaboration with adult literacy service providers, to maximize the use of technology. Computer literacy is encouraged within the Post Secondary programs and GED testing is provided on site. The local technical college offers its entry-level test, Compass, on 24 P age

29 computer. The state offers end of the course testing for adult learners online. Technology training for staff and students are shared within the CTE program. Ongoing 11. A description of the process and accountability measures that your district will use to evaluate the extent to which the activities in your technology plan, including those activities funded under the E2T2 program, are effective in integrating technology into curricula and instruction, increasing the ability of teachers to teach, and enabling students to meet challenging state academic content and student academic achievement standards. SCSDB will evaluate our technology plan using ADEPT evaluations, numbers of staff completing courses, number and percentage of teachers passing teacher technology objectives and receiving comprehensive certification standards. Student measures of integrating technology will be taken by measuring percentages of students passing in observations of senior projects, grades in courses completed, passing scores on high school state exit exams and end of course exams, progress reports on IEPs, progress or interim reports in all classes, and number of AT Evaluations requested. All of these evaluations will be done using the methodology employed in the SCSDB Scorecard Measures. Ongoing 12. A description of the supporting resources (such as services, software, other electronically delivered learning materials, and print resources) that will be acquired to ensure successful and effective uses of technology. An important supporting service or resource will be educational IT staff to support teachers in researching and using all the technology available especially that which is designed for the sensory disabled. Overall, there will be a great need for multimedia equipment as the students who are deaf and deaf multi-handicapped will need an expanded visual environment to learn at an optimum rate. This includes video, media retrieval system, digital graphics arts, electronic bulletin boards, and etc. All technology will require support services from internal staff and from suppliers to keep it up and running, to train new staff in uses, and to apply updates as these occur. Software upgrades are very costly and must be included in the budget annually to keep the sensory disabled computer user up-to-date with workplace applications. Ongoing 25 P age

30 2. Appendix: Teacher Technology Proficiency Proviso - Professional Development Plan South Carolina Legislation The Teacher Technology Proficiency Proviso (SDE: Teacher Recertification Technology) 26 P age

31 3. Appendix: Acceptable Use Policy The Acceptable Use Policy has not changed since the Technology Plan Update. 4. Appendix: How E-Rate Areas Have Been Addressed Please note the following updates for E-Rate Budgeting Purposes. Procurement and Maintenance Budget: The tables that follow this paragraph show our 09/10 and 10/11 E-Rate filings. For the upcoming 11/12 year we are showing no growth in telecommunication services due to the downsizing of agency personnel. The Internal Connection items for the Florence, Charleston, and Conway offices have been canceled due to the closure of those offices. The reoccurring telecommunication costs the Florence, Charleston, and Conway offices have been canceled as well. 27 P age

32 E-Rate Filing 09/10 DESCRIPTION TYPE TOTAL EXPENDITURE (ERATE) (SCSDB) YEARLY COST OF AGENCY WIDE CELL PHONES AND SERVICE FROM ATT RECURRING $74,925 $67, $7, YEARLY AGENCY INTERNET COST RECURRING $50,616 $45, $5, SPARTANBURG LAND LINE PHONE SERVICE RECURRING $21,188 $19, $2, MPLS SERVICE FOR ALL OFFICES RECURRING $197,604 $178, $19, STUDENT SERVICE RECURRING $944 $ $93.56 PHONE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE RECURRING $23,883 $21, $2, AGENCY WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT RECURRING $3,590 $1, $2, AGENCY WIDE SPRINT USAGE RECURRING $44,955 $40, $4, YEARLY CISCO MAINTENANCE SUPPORT CONTRACT RECURRING $29,803 $26, $2, ARLY COST OF AGENCY WIDE CELL PHONES AND SERVICE FROM VERIZON WIRELRECURRING $6,474 $5, $ CHARLESTON LAND LINE PHONE SERVICE RECURRING $2,084 $1, $ CONWAY LAND LINE PHONE SERVICE RECURRING $8,206 $7, $ FLORENECE LAND LINE PHONE SERVICE RECURRING $7,389 $6, $ This table shows our 09/10 E-Rate filing. Onetime items are considered Internal Connection purchases slated for the 09/10 fiscal year. Recurring items are considered Communications\POTS or Maintenance. 28 P age

33 E-Rate Filing 09/10 DESCRIPTION TYPE TOTAL EXPENDITURE (ERATE) (SCSDB) WIRING FOR SECURITY CAMERAS AND DOOR ACCESS ONE TIME $24,278 $21, $2, DHCP SERVERS FOR SPARTANBURG ONE TIME $9,388 $8, $ SERVERS FOR AGENCY ONE TIME $26,356 $23, $2, INTERNAL DNS SERVERS FOR AGENCY ONE TIME $10,124 $9, $1, EXTERNAL DNS SERVERS FOR AGENCY ONE TIME $10,124 $9, $1, SERVER CABINET FOR SPARTANBURG SERVER ROOM ONE TIME $5,062 $4, $ SERVER CABINET FOR SPARTANBURG SERVER ROOM ONE TIME $5,062 $4, $ WIRING FOR HERBERT CENTER REMODEL ONE TIME $158,176 $142, $15, WIRING FOR PRESS BOX REMODEL ONE TIME $2,928 $2, $ CAMPUS NETWORK DIAGRAM ONE TIME $62,637 $56, $6, PHONE SYSTEM UPGRADE ONE TIME $21,389 $19, $2, DIGITAL VIDEO AND MEDIA DISTRIBUTION ONE TIME $225,663 $203, $22, VIDEO CONFERENCING FOR SPARTANBURG ONE TIME $333,551 $283, $49, FIBER OPTIC UPFIT PHASE 1 ONE TIME $47,718 $42, $4, FIBER OPTIC UPFIT PHASE 2 ONE TIME $51,569 $46, $5, CISCO INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADE FOR SPARTANBURG ONE TIME $888,670 $800, $88, This table shows our 09/10 E-Rate filing. Onetime items are considered Internal Connection purchases slated for the 09/10 fiscal year. Recurring items are considered Communications\POTS or Maintenance. 29 P age